Your phone’s built-in photographer

February 7, 2024

Android and iPhone cams have built-in photo timers. That means you don’t have to ask a stranger to take your pic — or worse. My friend handed her phone to someone to take a photo of her and her daughter, but the guy ran away and stole it.

For iPhone:

• Prop your phone against something stable, like a rock. Or maybe you’re a smarty-pants and brought a tripod. This one is affordable and small enough to tuck anywhere.
• Once your phone is steadied, open your Camera app and tap the up-facing arrow at the top of your screen to display the app’s secondary menu. Scroll right in this menu to the option that looks like a clock, then tap it.
• Choose between a three- or 10-second delay. For more time to get everyone positioned, pick 10 seconds. 

On Android:

• Head to your phone’s camera app, select Timer and turn it on. 
• Select from a delay of two, five or 10 seconds. Time to shine!

👉 Why were photographers so depressed before digital cameras were invented? They spent too long processing the negatives. (Too bad only anyone over 35 will get that one!)

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